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New York Eatery Looks for
The Sweet Spot Overseas

As Economies in the U.S. and Europe Falter, Chocolate Bar Expands Its Business to the Untapped Consumer Markets in the Middle East.

By

Simona Covel

Updated Sept. 4, 2008 11:59 p.m. ET

When Alison Nelson opened Chocolate Bar, a New York eatery and candy store, her plan was to eventually open stores in Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles.

But six years later, she ended up expanding to a more distant -- and unexpected -- place: the Middle East. In October, a Chocolate Bar will open in Dubai, followed by locations in Qatar, Egypt and elsewhere across the region.

"I figured for expansion I'd benefit from similar...

RELATED VIDEO

The Chocolate Bar, a New York City-based eatery, is expanding in the Middle East. WSJ's Raymund Flandez reports on the small company's decision to expand overseas rather than domestically. (Sept. 3)